Premarital contraceptive use: A review of the psychological literature

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Abstract
A review of psychological literature on predictors of premarital contraceptive use is presented. A number of methodological difficulties and problems with the wide variety of definitions and measurements of contraceptive use are noted. Nine theoretical accounts of contraceptive behaviour which differ in terms of their decision-making vs developmental emphasis are outlined and empirical support for these models is assessed. A synthesis of research findings is then presented. Five groups of variables are considered — background factors, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, interpersonal factors, personality influences and situational factors. Results show that extant theoretical models of contraceptive use receive some support although these accounts do not specify several variables which are reliably associated with contraceptive behaviour. The need for a more unified theoretical framework which will help to integrate empirical findings is highlighted.